Congress Passes New GI Bill

The Post-9/11 Bill Improves Veterans' Education Benefits

Jul 10, 2008 Peggy Crippen

As of August 2009, service members pursing a college education will receive updated benefits. The Post-9/11 GI Bill adds additional benefits to the existing GI Bill.

Although the GI Bill has been in existence since World War II Veterans returned home, it has evolved through the years. The latest version of the GI Bill has added additional benefits to diminish the burden of the costs of a college education.

History of GI Bill

The initial GI Bill or the Serviceman's Readjustment Act of 1944, provided veteran's with benefits such as affordable home mortgages, unemployment payments and funds to pay for a college education. The GI Bill was revamped several times, but had not been altered since the congress passed the Montgomery GI Bill in 1984. America's involvement in a new war with a different generation of veterans spurred the development of the Post-9/11 GI Bill. This version of the GI Bill goes into effect on August 1, 2009.

Eligibility for the GI Bill

Persons who were discharged due to a service-connected disability and served as active duty military for at least 30 days of continuous service after September 10, 2001 are eligible for the minimum benefit. Higher levels of benefits are available to those who served in the Armed Forces for at least 90 days of active duty and were honorably discharged, retired, temporarily retired due to disability or were released due to a hardship.

Those service members still on active duty will be eligible. Some individuals who are discharged due to conditions existing prior to their enlistment or conditions interfering with their ability to serve may be eligible as well.

GI Bill Benefit Length and Amount

Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits generally are paid for up to 36 months. Veterans are eligible to use their Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for up to 15 years after being released from the military. All the eligibility requirements must have been met no matter when the benefit is used.

The amount each individual receives is figured according to the length of active duty service, the cost of tuition, and the cost of housing in the area of the school attended. Books and supplies are reimbursed up to $1000 per year. Veteran's relocating to a college from a rural area may receive a one-time payment of $500. The school receives the payment for the amount of tuition, but veterans receive payment for the housing allowance, books and relocation.

Dependant Eligibility For GI Bill Benefits

Armed Forces Members on active duty as of August 1, 2009 may be able to transfer benefits to their spouse or dependent child. This transfer of benefits must be approved by the Department of Defense.

The Post-9/11 GI Bill is the most comprehensive education benefit for veterans to date. Financial barriers should not be an obstacle to continuing education. A well-earned benefit for veterans, the Post-9/11 GI Bill will open doors to better education for those choosing to take advantage of it.

Learn more about the GI Bill at the Veteran's Administration Web Site.

The copyright of the article Congress Passes New GI Bill in Colleges is owned by Peggy Crippen. Permission to republish Congress Passes New GI Bill in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

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